Stand-on mower intermediate pulley system

ABSTRACT

Provided is a mower system that includes an idler pulley, a deck drive pulley coupled to a drive shaft of a mower motor and an intermediate pulley coupled to the mower frame such that a position of the intermediate pulley is fixed relative to a position of the deck drive pulley and the intermediate pulley is positioned to be engaged by a portion of the deck drive belt spanning between the deck drive pulley and the idler pulley.

FIELD

Embodiments relate generally to mowing devices and more particularly toriding mower pulley systems.

BACKGROUND

A lawn mower (or “mower”) is often used to cut (or “mow”) grassy areas.A mower typically utilizes one or more rotating cutting blades that cutgrass as the mower travels across the ground. A mower often takes theform of a walk-behind mower or a riding mower (or “ride-on” mower). Awalk-behind mower is typically designed to be operated by an operatorthat walks behind and guides the mower. Some walk-behind mowers rely onthe operator pushing the mower for propulsion (often referred to as“push” mowers). Some walk-behind mowers have a drive system (or“propulsion” system) that assist in propelling the mower (often referredto as “self-propelled” walk-behind mowers). A riding mower is typicallydesigned to be operated by an operator that rides on the mower as ittravels across the ground and cuts grass. A riding mower normallyincludes an operator support, such as a seat or platform, and a drivesystem that propels the mower.

A zero-turn-radius (ZTR) riding mower is a particular type of ridingmower. A ZTR riding mower is often identifiable by right and leftcontrol handles (or “control arms”) that an operator can push or pull todrive respective right and left drive wheels forward or backward. Thisenables the mower to make sharp turns with ease, even spinning theentire mower in place—hence the label “zero-turn-radius.” A ZTR ridingmower is often desirable for its agility, speed, and wide mowingcoverage. A ZTR mower typically employs drive units, such as hydrostatic(or “hydraulic”) transaxles, that selectively rotate drive wheelsforward or backward in response to pushing or pulling of the controlhandles.

ZTR mowers often take the form of sit-on ZTR mowers or stand-on ZTRmowers. A sit-on ZTR mower typically includes a seat and is designed tobe operated with the operator seated in the seat. A stand-on ZTR mowertypically includes a platform and is designed to be operated with theoperator standing on the platform. An operator may prefer a sit-on ZTRmower over a stand-on ZTR mower, for example, for the comfort providedby mowing in a seated position. An operator may prefer a stand-on ZTRmower over a sit-on ZTR mower, for example, for its compact footprint,easy on-and-off access, and the visual perspective provided in thestanding position. A stand-on mower may have a shorter length than acomparably sized sit-on ZTR mower such that it requires less storagespace (e.g., less space in a building or on a trailer) and less spacefor maneuvering during use.

SUMMARY

Although a stand-on zero-turn-radius (ZTR) riding mower can provideadvantages over other types of mowers, the compact nature of a stand-onZTR mower can present significant design challenges. Riding mowers,including ZTR riding mowers, typically employs a deck belt that iscirculated to rotate the cutting blades of the mower. The drive belt isusually routed about a drive pulley mounted to a drive shaft of a motor,and is routed about spindle pulleys that are mounted to a mowing deckand have respective cutting blades attached thereto. During operation ofthe mower, rotation of the drive shaft and the drive pulley drivescirculation of the deck belt, and the circulation of the deck belt, inturn, drives rotation of the spindle pulleys and the cutting blades. Thedrive pulley, the spindle pulleys and other pulleys are typicallycircular wheels oriented horizontally, such that they rotate about avertically oriented rotational axis, in a horizontal rotational planethat is oriented transverse to the vertically oriented rotational axis.If two adjacent pulleys are vertically offset from one another, theportion of the deck belt spanning the distance between the two pulleysmay be angled relative to the horizontal rotational planes of thepulleys. Thus, the deck belt may exit (or “depart”) one pulley at anangle relative to horizontal and enter (or “approach”) the next pulleyat a similar angle relative to horizontal. In some instances, thehorizontal distance between two pulleys is relatively short incomparison to the vertical offset between the pulleys, which can lead torelatively large deck belt exit/entry angles. Unfortunately, relativelylarge exit/entry angles can cause undesirable deck belt wear or failure.The associated friction (or “rubbing”) of the deck belt on the lip of apulley due to a relatively large exit/entry angle may cause the deckbelt to wear prematurely (which can cause the deck belt to slip on thepulley), slip-off of the pulley, or even break. Accordingly, it can beadvantageous to reduce exit/entry angles of deck belts.

Unfortunately, misalignment of pulleys is often difficult to avoid,especially in the context of mowers with adjustable cutting heights,such as ZTR mowers. The spindle pulleys, the idler pulley, thestationary pulley and the intermediate pulley (collectively “deckpulleys”) of a ZTR mower are often mounted to the mowing deck invertical alignment with one another. As the mowing deck is movedvertically up and down (e.g., as the mower deck raised or lowered toadjust the cutting height of the blades), the deck pulleys move with thedeck, which causes varying levels of vertical offset between the drivepulley and the deck pulleys. As a result, the portions of a deck beltspanning between the drive pulley and an adjacent deck pulley (e.g., theportion of a deck belt between the drive pulley and an idler pulley) mayhave exit/entry angles that are dependent on the vertical position ofthe mowing deck. Moreover, due to the relatively short length ofstand-on ZTR mowers, the mowing deck is typically located relativelyclose to the engine and, as a result, the horizontal offset between thedrive pulley and an adjacent deck pulley can be relatively small, whichcan create relatively large deck belt exit/entry angles. Due to thevariability of vertical offsets and the short distance between pulleys,stand-on ZTR mowers can be susceptible relatively large exit/entryangles between the drive pulley and adjacent deck pulley pulleys, whichcan lead to undesirable deck belt wear and failure.

In view of these and other shortcomings of existing systems, providedare embodiments of a mower system having a deck belt system thatincorporates a frame-mounted intermediate pulley. In some embodiments, amower deck belt system includes a drive pulley and an intermediatepulley that is mounted in a fixed position relative to the drive pulley.For example, a mower deck belt system of a stand-on ZTR mower mayinclude a drive pulley mounted to a drive shaft of an engine that ismounted to a frame of the mower and an intermediate pulley that is alsomounted to the frame of the mower such that the intermediate pulley doesnot move vertically or horizontally relative to the drive pulley duringoperation of the mower. The intermediate pulley may be a pulley locatedbetween the drive pulley and a deck pulley that is configured to movevertically relative to the drive pulley during operation of the mower,such as an idler pulley. The intermediate pulley may be positionedbetween the drive pulley and a deck pulley in that it is engaged by aportion of a deck belt that extends (or “spans”) between the drivepulley and the deck pulley. During use, as the drive shaft and the drivepulley is rotated by the engine, the drive pulley may drive circulationof the deck belt from a deck pulley in a path around a portion of thedrive pulley engaged by the drive pulley, from the drive pulley in apath around a portion of the intermediate pulley engaged by the deckbelt, from the intermediate pulley to the deck pulley, around a portionof the deck pulley engaged by the deck belt, and from the deck pulley toanother deck pulley. In the event the deck is raised or lowered, whichresults in a corresponding vertical movement of the deck pulleys, theremay be a corresponding change in the vertical offset between the deckpulley and the intermediate pulley; however, there may not be a changein the vertical offset between the drive pulley and the intermediatepulley. In some embodiments, the span of the deck belt between the deckpulley and the intermediate pulley is longer than the span of the deckbelt between the intermediate pulley and the drive pulley. This may helpto maintain, for a given amount of vertical movement of the deckrelative to the frame, exit/entry angles between the intermediate pulleyand the deck pulley that are less than exit/entry angles that would havebeen seen between the intermediate pulley and the drive pulley had theintermediate pulley been mounted to the deck. Maintaining relativelysmall exit/entry angles between the drive pulley and the intermediatepulley may help to inhibit deck belt wear and failure.

Provided in some embodiments is stand-on riding mower system thatincludes the following: a mower frame; a mower motor coupled to themower frame (the mower motor including a drive shaft adapted to rotate);a mowing deck system coupled to the mower frame and adapted to be raisedor lowered relative to the mower frame (the mowing deck system includingan idler pulley and a spindle pulley, where the spindle pulley iscoupled to a mowing blade and engaged by a deck drive belt, circulationof the deck drive belt is adapted to rotate the spindle pulley and themowing blade coupled to the spindle pulley, and the idler pulley isbiased to push against a deck drive belt to maintain a tension of thedeck drive belt); and a deck drive belt system including: the deck drivebelt; a deck drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft of the mower motorand engaged by the deck drive belt (where the deck drive pulley isadapted to rotate with the drive shaft and rotation of the deck drivepulley is adapted to cause the circulation of the deck drive belt); andan intermediate pulley coupled to the mower frame such that theintermediate pulley does not move relative to the deck drive pulley(where the intermediate pulley is engaged by a portion of the deck drivebelt spanning between the deck drive pulley and the idler pulley).

In some embodiments, the deck drive belt is adapted to circulate fromthe deck drive pulley to the intermediate pulley, from the intermediatepulley to the idler pulley, and from the idler pulley to the spindlepulley. In some embodiments, a span of the deck drive belt between theidler pulley and the intermediate pulley is longer than a span of thedeck drive belt between the intermediate pulley and the deck drivepulley. In some embodiments, centerlines of the intermediate pulley andthe deck drive pulley are aligned. In some embodiments, the mowing decksystem, the idler pulley and the spindle pulley are adapted to moverelative to the intermediate pulley and the deck drive pulley. In someembodiments, the deck drive pulley includes a V-pulley, the spindlepulley includes a V-pulley, the idler pulley includes a flat pulley, andthe intermediate pulley includes a flat pulley. In some embodiments, themotor and the intermediate pulley are rigidly coupled to the mowerframe. In some embodiments, the mower system includes a zero turn radius(ZTR) riding mower system.

Provided in some embodiments is a mower system that includes thefollowing: a mower frame; a mower motor coupled to the mower frame (themower motor including a drive shaft adapted to rotate); a mowing decksystem coupled to the mower frame and adapted to be raised or loweredrelative to the mower frame (the mowing deck system including an idlerpulley biased into engagement with a deck drive belt to maintain atension of the deck drive belt, where circulation of the deck drive beltis adapted to rotate a spindle pulley and a mowing blade coupled to thespindle pulley); and a deck drive belt system including: the deck drivebelt; a deck drive pulley adapted to couple to the drive shaft of themower motor and be engaged by the deck drive belt (where the deck drivepulley is adapted to rotate with the drive shaft and rotation of thedeck drive pulley is adapted to cause the circulation of the deck drivebelt); and an intermediate pulley coupled to the mower frame such thatthe intermediate pulley does not move relative to the deck drive pulley(where the intermediate pulley is adapted to be engaged by a portion ofthe deck drive belt spanning between the deck drive pulley and the idlerpulley).

In some embodiments, the deck drive belt is adapted to circulate fromthe deck drive pulley to the intermediate pulley, from the intermediatepulley to the idler pulley, and from the idler pulley to the spindlepulley. In some embodiments, a span of the deck drive belt between theidler pulley and the intermediate pulley is longer than a span of thedeck drive belt between the intermediate pulley and the deck drivepulley. In some embodiments, centerlines of the intermediate pulley andthe deck drive pulley are aligned. In some embodiments, the mowing decksystem and the idler pulley are adapted to move relative to theintermediate pulley and the deck drive pulley. In some embodiments, thedeck drive pulley includes a V-pulley, the idler pulley includes a flatpulley, and the intermediate pulley includes a flat pulley. In someembodiments, the motor and the intermediate pulley are rigidly coupledto the mower frame. In some embodiments, the mower system includes astand-on riding mower system. In some embodiments, the mower systemincludes a zero turn radius (ZTR) riding mower system.

Provided in some embodiments is a mower system that includes thefollowing: an idler pulley biased into engagement with a deck drive beltto maintain a tension of the deck drive belt (where circulation of thedeck drive belt is adapted to rotate a spindle pulley and a mowing bladecoupled to the spindle pulley); a deck drive pulley coupled to a driveshaft of a mower motor coupled to a mower frame of the mower system (thedeck drive pulley adapted to be engaged by the deck drive belt, wherethe deck drive pulley is adapted to be rotated by the drive shaft androtation of the deck drive pulley is adapted to cause the circulation ofthe deck drive belt); and an intermediate pulley coupled to the mowerframe such that a position of the intermediate pulley is fixed relativeto a position of the deck drive pulley (where the intermediate pulley isadapted to be engaged by a portion of the deck drive belt spanningbetween the deck drive pulley and the idler pulley).

In some embodiments, the idler pulley is adapted to move relative to thedeck drive pulley and the intermediate pulley. In some embodiments, thedeck drive belt is adapted to circulate from the deck drive pulley tothe intermediate pulley, and from the intermediate pulley to the idlerpulley.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a mower system in accordance withone or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates a motor in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates a deck system in accordance withone or more embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams that illustrate top views of a deck drive beltsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram that illustrates a top view of pulleys and a deckdrive belt in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a diagram that illustrates a side view of pulleys of a deckdrive belt system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7C are diagrams that illustrate side views of pulleys of a deckdrive belt system in various configurations in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

While this disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example inthe drawings and will be described in detail. The drawings may not be toscale. It should be understood that the drawings and the detaileddescriptions are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particularform disclosed, but are intended to disclose modifications, equivalents,and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described are embodiments of a mower system having a deck belt systemthat incorporates a frame-mounted intermediate pulley. In someembodiments, a mower deck belt system includes a drive pulley and anintermediate pulley that is mounted in a fixed position relative to thedrive pulley. For example, a mower deck belt system of a stand-on ZTRmower may include a drive pulley mounted to a drive shaft of an enginemounted to a frame of the mower and an intermediate pulley that is alsomounted to the frame of the mower such that the intermediate pulley doesnot move vertically or horizontally relative to the drive pulley duringoperation of the mower. The intermediate pulley may be a pulley locatedbetween the drive pulley and a deck pulley that is configured to movevertically relative to the drive pulley during operation of the mower,such as an idler pulley. The intermediate pulley may be positionedbetween the drive pulley and a deck pulley in that it is engaged by aportion of a deck belt that extends (or “spans”) between the drivepulley and the deck pulley. During use, as the drive shaft and the drivepulley is rotated by the engine, the drive pulley may drive circulationof the deck belt from a deck pulley in a path around a portion of thedrive pulley engaged by the drive pulley, from the drive pulley in apath around a portion of the intermediate pulley engaged by the deckbelt, from the intermediate pulley to the deck pulley, around a portionof the deck pulley engaged by the deck belt, and from the deck pulley toanother deck pulley. In the event the deck is raised or lowered, whichresults in a corresponding vertical movement of the deck pulleys, theremay be a corresponding change in the vertical offset between the deckpulley and the intermediate pulley; however, there may not be a changein the vertical offset between the drive pulley and the intermediatepulley. In some embodiments, the span of the deck belt between the deckpulley and the intermediate pulley is longer than the span of the deckbelt between the intermediate pulley and the drive pulley. This may helpto maintain, for a given amount of vertical movement of the deckrelative to the frame, exit/entry angles between the intermediate pulleyand the deck pulley that are less than exit/entry angles that would havebeen seen between the intermediate pulley and the drive pulley had theintermediate pulley been mounted to the deck. Maintaining relativelysmall exit/entry angles between the drive pulley and the intermediatepulley may help to inhibit deck belt wear and failure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a mower system (or “mower”) 100 inaccordance with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the mower100 is a stand-on zero-turn-radius (ZTR) riding mower that includes, aframe system 102, a power system 104, a control system 106, a drivesystem 108, and a cutting system 110.

In some embodiments, the frame system 102 is a rigid structure thatsupports components of the mower 100. For example, the frame system (or“frame”) 102 may include members that are rigidly fastened to oneanother such that they do not move relative to one another. In someembodiments, the frame 102 includes a frame weldment 112. The frameweldment 112 may include a rigid metal structure formed of multiplemetal members that are welded, or similarly fastened, together. Othercomponents of the mower 100 may be coupled to the frame 102 to positionthem relative to the frame 102 and to one another.

In some embodiments, the power system 104 includes a motor 120 (see,e.g., FIG. 2). The motor 120 may supply motive power used to operate themower 100. In some embodiments, the motor 120 includes an engine, suchas an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gas-fueled engine, adiesel-fueled engine, or a natural gas-fueled engine) or an electricmotor. In some embodiments, the motor 120 is coupled to the frame 102.For example, the motor 120 may be bolted, or similarly fastened, to theframe weldment 112. In such an embodiment, the motor 120 may be rigidlysecured to the frame weldment 112 such that the motor 120 does not moverelative to the frame weldment 112 during operation of the mower 100.

In some embodiments, the motor 120 includes a drive shaft 122 (see,e.g., FIG. 2). For example, the drive shaft 122 may be an elongatedcylindrical member that extends downward from an underside of the motor120. In some embodiments, the power generated by the motor 120 rotates(or “drives”) the drive shaft 122 which can be used as motive power forother components of the mower 100. For example, the power generated bythe motor 120 may drive rotation of the drive shaft 122 about itslongitudinal axis (“drive shaft axis”) 124, which drives circulation ofdrive belts 132 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4B and 4C) that transmit motive powerfrom the drive shaft 122 to the drive system 108 and the cutting system110.

In some embodiments, one or more drive pulleys 126 are coupled to thedrive shaft 122 (see, e.g., FIG. 2). The drive pulleys 126 may include,for example, a pump drive pulley 128 and a deck drive pulley 130 coupledto the drive shaft 122 of the motor 120. In some embodiments, the drivepulleys 126 engage with respective drive belts 132 that are employed totransmit motive power to other components of the mower 100. For example,the pump drive pulley 128 may engage with a pump drive belt 134 (see,e.g., FIGS. 2 and 4A-4C) that is circulated to transmit motive power tothe drive system 108. The deck drive pulley 130 may engage with a deckdrive belt (or “deck belt”) 136 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3, 4A-4C, 5 and 7A-7C)that is circulated to transmit motive power to the cutting system 110.During operation of the mower 100, the motor 120 may be operated torotate the drive shaft 122, the pump drive pulley 128 and the deck drivepulley 130, which, in turn, drives circulation of the pump drive belt134 and circulation of the deck drive belt 136. In some embodiments, therotational axes of the drive shaft 122, the pump drive pulley 128 andthe deck drive pulley 130 are coaxial.

In some embodiments, the drive belts 132 are V-belts and the drivepulleys 126 are V-drive pulleys. A V-belt may include a flexible belt(e.g., a rubber belt) having a generally trapezoidal shape. A first side(“front,” “inside” or “V”) of the drive belt may have a V-shaped profilefor engaging with a complementary V-shaped circumferential groove of aV-pulley. A second side (“back,” “outside” or “flat” side) of the V-belt(which is opposite the first side) may have a flat shaped profile forengaging with a commentary flat-shaped circumferential face of aflat-pulley.

A V-belt pulley may have a V-shaped circumferential grove that is shapedto engage a complementary V side of a V-belt. A flat-belt pulley mayhave a flat-shaped circumferential groove (or “face”) that is shaped toengage a complementary flat side of a belt, such as a flat side of aV-belt or a side of a flat-belt. For example, the pump drive pulley 128may have a V-shaped circumferential groove that engages with a V-side ofthe pump drive belt 134, and the deck drive pulley 130 may have aV-shaped circumferential groove that engages with a V-side of the deckdrive belt 136.

In some embodiments, the deck drive pulley 130 is part of a clutchedpulley system (or “clutched pulley”). A clutched pulley may include apulley and a pulley clutch mechanism (or “pulley clutch”) that can beengaged or disengaged to regulate the transfer of torque to the pulley.This may provide for selective engagement and disengagement of thepulley, as well as belts and systems driven by the pulley. For example,a pulley clutch 138 may be provided between the drive shaft 122 and thedeck drive pulley 130, which can be engaged or disengaged to facilitateor inhibit, respectively, the transfer the rotational torque of thedrive shaft 122 to the deck drive pulley 130 and the deck drive belt136. This may provide for selective engagement and disengagement of thedeck drive belt 136 and the cutting system 110.

In some embodiments, the control system 106 includes controls 140 (see,e.g., FIG. 1) for regulating operation of the mower 100. For example,the control system 106 may include an ignition switch (e.g., a switchoperable to start or stop operation of the motor 120), a throttlecontrol (e.g., a knob operable to regulate the operational speed of themotor 120), a blade control (e.g., a knob operable to engage ordisengage the cutting system 110), a wheel brake control (e.g., a leveroperable to engage or disengage a wheel brake), a deck height control(e.g., a lever to adjust a height of a cutting deck), or a userinterface (e.g., a display of status information for the mower 100, suchas hours and oil level). An operator may interact with the controlsystem 106 to operate the mower 100 or to monitor various aspects of theoperation of the mower 100.

In some embodiments, the drive system (or “propulsion system”) 108includes components for propelling (or “driving”) the mower 100 acrossthe ground. In some embodiments, the drive system 108 includes wheels150 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C) and one or more drive units 152 (see,e.g., FIGS. 4A-4C) that supply motive power to the wheels 150. Forexample, the drive system 108 may include right and left forward wheels(“front wheels”) 154 and right and left rear wheels (“back wheels”) 156,and right and left drive units 152 operable to drive rotation of theright and left rear wheels 156, respectively.

For reference, the right and left sides of the mower 100 may be definedrelative to the position of an operator facing forward (the direction inwhich an operator is expected to be primarily facing) while operatingthe mower 100. Accordingly, “forward” or “front” may refer to thedirection that an operator is expected to be primarily facing whileoperating the mower 100. In accordance with the coordinate system axesprovided in the figures, “right” may refer to the positive “x”direction, “left” may refer to the negative “x” direction, “front” or“forward” may refer to the positive “y” direction, and “back” or“backward” may refer to the negative “y” direction. A longitudinal axis157 of the mower 100 may be oriented in the “y” direction, at or near amidpoint between the rear wheels 156 of the mower 100.

The front wheels 154 may be positioned at or near a front end of theframe system 102 to support a front portion of the mower 100. In someembodiments, the front wheels 154 are caster wheels that swivel about avertically oriented rotational axis (e.g., a rotational axis oriented inthe y-direction) in response to corresponding movements of the mower100. The front wheels 154 may be referred to as “non-driven” wheels inthat they do not receive motive power intended to propel the mower 100.The rear wheels 156 may be positioned at or near a rear end of the framesystem 102 to support a rear portion of the mower 100. In someembodiments, the drive units 152 drive rotation of the rear wheels 156to propel the mower 100. For example, each of the right and left rearwheels 156 may be coupled to a drive axle of the right and left driveunits 152, respectively, and each of the drive units 152 may beselectively operable to rotate its drive axle and the attached wheelforward or backward (e.g., about a rotational axis oriented in thex-direction). The rear wheels 156 may be referred to as “driven” or“drive” wheels in that they receive (and are driven into rotation by)motive power intended to propel the mower 100.

In some embodiments, each of the drive units 152 is a hydraulic driveunit. For example, each of the drive units 152 may be an integratedhydrostatic (or “hydraulic”) transaxle (also referred to as an“integrated transaxle” or “transaxle”). A transaxle may include ahydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, and a drive axle integrated togetherin a single unit. In some embodiments, the drive units 152 transmitmotive power to rotate an attached wheel in response to selectiveoperation of associated control handles (or “levers”) 158 (see, e.g.,FIG. 1). For example, when a control handle 158 of a drive unit 152 ispushed forward or backward the drive axle of the drive unit 152 and theattached rear wheel 156 may be rotated forward or backward,respectively. An operator of the mower 100 may simultaneously push bothof the right and left control handles 158 about the same distanceforward to drive the mower 100 forward or may vary the distance of thecontrol handles 158 to turn the mower 100.

In some embodiments, each of the drive units 152 includes a drive unitinput pulley 160 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-4C). During operation of the mower100, the pump drive belt 134 may engage the drive unit input pulleys 160of the drive units 152, and circulation of the pump drive belt 134 mayrotate the drive unit input pulleys 160. Rotation of the drive unitinput pulley 160 of each of the drive units 152 may provide motive powerthat drives a pump of the drive unit 160, which drives a hydraulic motorof the drive unit 152, which drives rotation of the drive axle of thedrive unit 152.

In some embodiments, the cutting system 110 includes components thatprovide for cutting (or “mowing”) of grass. In some embodiments, thecutting system 110 includes a mowing deck system (or “deck system”) 170(see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B). The mowing deck system 170 may include amowing deck (or “deck”) 172 that houses one or more cutting blades (or“blades”) 174. During operation of the mower 100, the blades 174 may berotated to cut (or “mow”) grass under the deck 172 as the mower 100traverses the ground. The deck 172 may be a metal housing that shieldsthe operator and components of the mower 100 from debris, such as flyinggrass, dust or rocks that is generated by the rotating blades 174.

In some embodiments, the mowing blades 174 are coupled to respectivespindle assemblies (or “spindles”) 176 which are coupled to the deck172. Each of the spindles 176 may include a spindle housing 178, aspindle shaft 179 and a spindle pulley 180. The spindle housing 178 mayinclude a flange that is coupled (e.g., bolted or similarly fastened) toa top plate 182 of the deck 172. The top plate 182 of the deck 172 mayinclude, for example, a horizontally oriented steel plate. The spindleshaft 179 may include a cylindrical shaft that extends through thespindle housing 178 and above and below the top plate 182 of the deck172. A blade 174 may be coupled (e.g., bolted or similarly fastened) toa lower end of the spindle shaft 179 that terminates under the deck 172such that the blade 174 is suspended under the deck 172. The spindlepulley 180 may be coupled to an upper end of the spindle shaft 179 thatterminates above the deck 172 such that the spindle pulley 180 islocated above (or “on top of”) the top plate 182 of the deck 172.Rotation of the spindle pulley 180 may cause a corresponding rotation ofthe spindle shaft 179 and the blade 174. The spindle pulley 180 may berotated, for example, by circulation of the deck drive belt 136. In someembodiments, each of the spindle pulleys 180 is a V-drive pulley that isengaged by a V-side of the deck drive belt 136. In some embodiments, therotational axes of the spindle shaft 179 and the spindle pulley 180 of aspindle 176 and a blade 174 coupled to the spindle 176 are coaxial.

In some embodiments, the cutting system 110 includes multiple blades 174and associated spindles 176 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B). For example,the deck system 170 may include a first (left) blade 174 a coupled to afirst (left) spindle 176 a, a second (center) blade 174 b coupled to asecond (center) spindle 176 b, and a third (right) blade 174 c coupledto a second (center) spindle 176 c. Each of the spindles 176 a, 176 band 176 c may be coupled (e.g., bolted or fastened in a similar manner)to the top plate 182 of the deck 172 such that the spindle pulleys 180a, 180 b and 180 c do not move in a vertical or horizontal directionrelative to the top plate 182 of the deck 172 during operation of themower 100. During operation of the mower 100, the deck drive pulley 130may be rotated clockwise (e.g., in a clockwise direction as indicated byarrow 181) and corresponding circulation of the deck drive belt 136(e.g., in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow 183) may driverotation of the spindle pulleys 180 a, 180 b and 180 c and the blades174 a, 174 b and 174 c. The spindle pulleys 180 a, 180 b and 180 c maybe referred to as “driven” pulleys in that they are driven into rotationto transfer torque to (or to “drive”) another component of the mower100, specifically to drive the respective blades 174 a, 174 b and 174 cattached thereto. The stationary pulley 190, the intermediate pulley 200and the idler pulley 184 may be referred to as “guide” pulleys in thatthey provide for defining a routing of the deck drive belt 136, but arenot intended to transfer torque to another component of the mower 100.

In some embodiments, the deck system 170 includes an idler pulley 184(see, e.g., FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5). The idler pulley 184 may include apulley that engages and pushes against a “slack” portion of the deckdrive belt 136. This may reduce slack in the deck drive belt 136 andmaintain a tension of the deck drive belt 136. For example, the idlerpulley 184 may be a flat pulley that is engaged by a flat side of aportion of the deck drive belt spanning between the deck drive pulley130 and the first (left) spindle pulley 180 a of the first (left)spindle 176 a. The idler pulley 184 may be rotatably coupled to the topplate 182 of the deck 172 by way of an idler arm 186 coupled to the deck172. The idler pulley 184 may be biased into engagement with the deckdrive belt 136 by way of an idler arm spring 188 that exerts acorresponding biasing force on the idler arm 186 and idler pulley 184.During operation, the biasing force of the idler arm spring 188 may pullthe idler pulley 184 in a horizontal direction (e.g., represented by thearced path illustrated by arrow 187 of FIG. 4C) relative to the topplate 182 of the deck 172 to pull the idler pulley 184 into engagementwith and exert a pushing force against the deck drive belt 136 (asdepicted by arrow 189 of FIG. 4C). This force may remove (or “take up”)slack in the deck drive belt 136 and maintain a tension of the deckdrive belt 136. Maintaining the tension of the deck drive belt 136 mayinhibit the deck drive belt 136 from slipping on, or slipping off of,the pulleys it is routed about, including, for example, the deck drivepulley 130 and the spindle pulleys 180 a, 180 b and 180 c. The slackportion of the deck drive belt 136 may refer to a portion of the deckdrive belt 136 that spans between the deck drive pulley 130 and anadjacent driven pulley that the deck drive belt 136 is routed to fromthe deck drive pulley 130, such as the first (left) spindle pulley 180a. The vertical position of the idler pulley 184 relative to the topplate 182 may be fixed by the idler arm 186 such that the idler pulley184 moves with the deck 172 during operation of the mower 100. That is,the idler pulley 184 does not move in a vertical direction relative tothe top plate 182 of the deck 172 during operation of the mower 100.

In some embodiments, the idler pulley 184 is a wide flat-belt pulley. A“wide” flat-belt pulley may be a flat-belt pulley that has a flatcircumferential face (or groove) that is significantly wider (e.g., ≥25%wider) than the width (or “thickness”) of a belt that engages (or isexpected to engage) the pulley. For example, where the deck drive belt136 has a width of about 0.5 in, the idler pulley 184 may have a flatcircumferential face (or groove) having a width of about 0.6125 in orgreater. The extra width may enable the flat side of the belt to movevertically (e.g., parallel to the rotational axis of the pulley) acrossthe flat face of the pulley. A wide flat pulley may be suitable inlocations where there is expected to movement or misalignment betweenadjacent pulleys and vertical movement of the belt is desirable. In theillustrated embodiments, the use of a wide-type idler pulley 184 mayallow the deck drive belt 136 to move vertically relative to the idlerpulley 184 (e.g., as a result of vertical movement or misalignment of anadjacent pulley) without causing wear that may otherwise occur if theface was relatively narrow such that even slight vertical movement ofthe deck drive belt 136 would result in contact with a lip of the idlerpulley 184 that could wear the deck drive belt 136 or that would resultin the deck drive belt 136 slipping off of the face of the idler pulley184.

In some embodiments, the deck system 170 includes a stationary pulley190 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5). The stationary pulley 190 may besized and positioned to maintain a sufficient engagement of the deckdrive belt 136 with adjacent pulleys. An angle of engagement of a pulleymay be an angle defined by the portion of the circumference of thepulley that is engaged by (e.g., is in contact with) a belt. Thestationary pulley 190 may be a flat pulley that is engaged by a flatside of a portion of the deck drive belt 136 that spans between thesecond (middle) spindle pulley 180 b of the second (middle) spindle 176b and the third (right) spindle pulley 180 c of the third (right)spindle 176 c. The stationary pulley 190 may ensure that the angle ofengagement (ϕ) of the deck drive belt 136 with each of the second(middle) spindle pulley 180 b and the third (right) spindle pulley 180 care in the range of about 90°-125° (e.g., ϕ may be about 118°). Theangle of engagement may vary based on positioning of components, such asthe pulleys or the motor 102 and drive shaft 122. The stationary pulley190 may positioned and sized to deflect the deck drive belt 136 from astraight path between the second (middle) spindle pulley 180 b and thethird (right) spindle pulley 180 c such that the angle of engagement(ϕ₁) of the deck drive belt 136 with the second (middle) spindle pulley180 b may be in the range of about 80°-100° (e.g., ϕ₁ may be about 81°)and the angle of engagement (ϕ₂) of the deck drive belt 136 with thethird (right) spindle pulley 180 c may be in the range of about150°-180° (e.g., ϕ₂ may be about 155° (see, e.g., FIG. 5 whichillustrates components of a deck drive belt system 192 that employs anintermediate pulley system 194). The stationary pulley 190 may becoupled (e.g., bolted or fastened in a similar manner) to the top plate182 of the deck 172 such that the stationary pulley 190 moves with thedeck 172 during operation of the mower 100. That is, the stationarypulley 190 does not move in a vertical or horizontal direction relativeto the top plate 182 of the deck 172 during operation of the mower 100.

In some embodiments, the cutting system 110 (and the deck drive beltsystem 192 and the intermediate pulley system 194) includes anintermediate pulley 200 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5). Theintermediate pulley 200 may be sized and positioned to maintain asufficient engagement of the deck drive belt 136 with adjacent pulleys.For example, the intermediate pulley 200 may be a flat pulley that isengaged by a flat side of a portion of the deck drive belt 136 thatspans between the deck drive pulley 130 and the idler pulley 184. Theintermediate pulley 200 may ensure that the angle of engagement (ϕ) ofthe deck drive belt 136 with the deck drive pulley 130 is in the rangeof about 90°-125° (e.g., ϕ may be about 118°). For example, theintermediate pulley 200 may be positioned and sized to deflect the deckdrive belt 136 from a straight path between the deck drive pulley 130and the idler pulley 184 such that the angle of engagement (ϕ₃) of thedeck drive belt 136 with the deck drive pulley 130 is in the range ofabout 180°-210° (e.g., ϕ₃ may be about 148°-150°) (see, e.g., FIG. 5).The angle of engagement (ϕ₄) of the deck drive belt 136 with theintermediate pulley 200 may be in the range of about 150°-210° (e.g., ϕ₄may be about 177°). The angle of engagement (ϕ₅) of the deck drive belt136 with the idler pulley 184 may be in the range of about 15°-45°(e.g., ϕ₅ may be about 18°). The angle of engagement (ϕ₆) of the deckdrive belt 136 with the first (left) spindle pulley 180 a may be in therange of about 160°-180° (e.g., ϕ₅ may be about 176°).

In some embodiments, the intermediate pulley 200 is a narrow flat-beltpulley. A “narrow” flat-belt pulley may be a flat-belt pulley that has aflat circumferential face (or groove) that is not significantly wider(e.g., ≤25% wider) than the width (or “thickness”) of a belt thatengages (or is expected to engage) the pulley. For example, where thedeck drive belt 136 has a width of about 0.5 in, the intermediate pulley200 may have a flat circumferential face (or groove) having a width ofabout 0.5-0.6125 in (e.g., about 0.6 in). The limited width may inhibitthe flat side of the belt from moving vertically (e.g., parallel to therotational axis of the pulley) across the flat face of the pulley. Anarrow flat pulley may be suitable in locations where there is expectedto movement or misalignment between adjacent pulleys and it is desirableto limit vertical movement of the belt on the pulley. In the illustratedembodiments, the use of a narrow-type intermediate pulley 200 mayinhibit the deck drive belt 136 from moving vertically relative to thedeck drive pulley 130 (e.g., as a result of vertical movement of theidler pulley 184 and the first (left) spindle pulley 180 a) which canprevent wear of the deck drive belt 136 that may otherwise occur at thedeck drive pulley 130 if the face of the intermediate pulley 200 wasrelatively wide and allowed the deck drive belt 136 to move verticallyrelative to the deck drive pulley 130. In some embodiments, theintermediate pulley 200 is a wide flat-belt pulley. This may allow somevertical movement of the deck drive belt 136 which can help to reducewear of the deck drive belt 136 that may otherwise occur at the idlerpulley 184.

The diameter of a pulley may refer to a diameter of the groove or faceof the pulley to that is engaged by a drive belt. In some embodiments,the intermediate pulley 200 has a diameter of in the range of about 3in-6 in. For example, the intermediate pulley may have a diameter ofabout 4.75 in.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the intermediate pulley 200is longitudinally offset forward of the rotational axis of the deckdrive pulley 130 (e.g., in the y direction) by a longitudinal offsetdistance 210. The longitudinal offset distance 210 may be in the rangeof about 4.5 in to about 6.5 in. For example, the longitudinal offsetdistance 210 may be about 5.9 in.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the intermediate pulley 200is laterally offset to the right of the rotational axis of the deckdrive pulley 130 (e.g., in the x direction) by a lateral offset distance212. The lateral offset distance 212 may be in the range of about 6 into about 8.5 in. For example, the lateral offset distance 212 may beabout 8 in.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the third (right) spindlepulley 180 c is longitudinally offset forward the rotational axis of thedeck drive pulley 130 (e.g., in the y direction) by a longitudinaloffset distance 214. The longitudinal offset distance 214 may be in therange of about 7 in to about 9 in. For example, the longitudinal offsetdistance 214 may be about 8.2 in.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the third (right) spindlepulley 180 c is laterally offset to the right of the rotational axis ofthe deck drive pulley 130 (e.g., in the x direction) by a lateral offsetdistance 216. The lateral offset distance 216 may be in the range ofabout 12 in to about 30 in. For example, the lateral offset distance 216may be about 17.8 in. This distance may vary, for example, due tovariations in deck size/width.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the idler pulley 184 islongitudinally offset forward the rotational axis of the deck drivepulley 130 (e.g., in the y direction) by a longitudinal offset distance218. The longitudinal offset distance 218 may be in the range of about4.5 in to about 7 in. For example, the longitudinal offset distance 218may be about 5.1 in.

In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the idler pulley 184 islaterally offset to the right of the rotational axis of the deck drivepulley 130 (e.g., in the x direction) by a lateral offset distance 219.The lateral offset distance 219 may be in the range of about 6 in toabout 9 in. For example, the lateral offset distance 219 may be about8.8 in.

In some embodiments, the span 220 of the deck drive belt 136 between theidler pulley 184 and the intermediate pulley 200 is greater (or“longer”) than the span 222 of the deck drive belt 136 between theintermediate pulley 200 and the deck drive pulley 130. The span of abelt between two pulleys may be defined as the distance between thepoints at which the belt engages/disengages the two pulleys. Forexample, the span 220 of the deck drive belt 136 between the idlerpulley 184 and the intermediate pulley 200 may be defined by the exitpoint 224 at which the deck drive belt 136 exits (or “disengages”) theintermediate pulley 200 and the entry point 226 at which the deck drivebelt 136 enters (or “engages”) the idler pulley 184. The span 222 of thedeck drive belt 136 between the intermediate pulley 200 and the deckdrive pulley 130 may be defined by the exit point 228 at which the deckdrive belt 136 exits (or “disengages”) the deck drive pulley 130 and theentry point 230 at which the deck drive belt 136 enters (or “engages”)the deck drive pulley 130. The span between two pulleys may be the sameas the distance between the rotational axes of the two pulleys. In someembodiments, the span 220 of the deck drive belt 136 between theintermediate pulley 200 and the idler pulley 184 is in the range ofabout 14 in-18 in. For example, the span 220 of the deck drive belt 136between the intermediate pulley 200 and the idler pulley 184 may beabout 17.0 in. In some embodiments, the span 222 of the deck drive belt136 between the deck drive pulley 130 and the intermediate pulley 200 isin the range of about 6 in-9 in. For example, the span 222 of the deckdrive belt 136 between the deck drive pulley 130 and the intermediatepulley 200 may be about 7.9 in.

The span 232 of the deck drive belt 136 between the third (right)spindle pulley 180 c and the deck drive pulley 130 may be defined by theexit point 234 at which the deck drive belt 136 exits (or “disengages”)the third (right) spindle pulley 180 c and the entry point 236 at whichthe deck drive belt 136 enters (or “engages”) the deck drive pulley 130.In some embodiments, the span 232 of the deck drive belt 136 between thethird (right) spindle pulley 180 c and the deck drive pulley 130 is inthe range of about 16 in-24 in. For example, the span 232 of the deckdrive belt 136 between the deck drive pulley 130 and the intermediatepulley 200 may be about 19.6 in. This distance may vary, for example,due to variations in deck size/width.

The intermediate pulley 200 may be coupled to the mower 100 such thatthe position of the intermediate pulley 200 does not change relative tothe position of the deck drive pulley 130 during operation of the mower100. That is, the intermediate pulley 200 does not move up, down,forward or backward relative to the deck drive pulley 130 duringoperation of the mower 100. The For example, the intermediate pulley 200may be mounted (e.g., bolted or fastened in a similar manner) to anintermediate pulley bracket 202 that is mounted (e.g., bolted orfastened in a similar manner) to the frame weldment 112 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 2 and 4A-4C). The intermediate pulley bracket 202 may be a rigidmember (e.g., a member formed of steel) that inhibits movement of theintermediate pulley 200 relative to the frame 102 and the deck drivepulley 130. In an embodiment in which the motor 120 is fastened to theframe weldment 112 such that the motor 120 does not move relative to theframe weldment 112 during operation of the mower 100 and theintermediate pulley 200 is secured to the frame weldment 112 (e.g., theintermediate pulley 200 is fastened to the intermediate pulley bracket202 fastened to the frame weldment 112) such that the position of theintermediate pulley 200 does not change relative to the position of thedeck drive pulley 130 during operation of the mower 100, theintermediate pulley 200 may not move in a vertical or horizontaldirection relative to the motor 120, the drive shaft 122, or the deckdrive pulley 130, during operation of the mower 100.

In some embodiments, the horizontal position of the intermediate pulley200 is adjustable. For example, the intermediate pulley bracket 202 mayinclude a row of intermediate pulley holes 240 extending in a lateraldirection (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 4A-4C). The intermediate pulley 200may be coupled to anyone of the intermediate pulley holes 240. This mayenable lateral (e.g., in the x direction) adjustment of the position ofthe intermediate pulley 200. For example, the intermediate pulley 200may be fastened to the intermediate pulley bracket 202 with a boltextending through a leftmost of intermediate pulley holes 240 toposition the intermediate pulley 200 relatively close to thelongitudinal axis 157 of the mower 100, relatively close to the idlerpulley 184, relatively close to the deck drive pulley 130, andrelatively far from the third (right) spindle pulley 180 c. Theintermediate pulley 200 may be fastened to the intermediate pulleybracket 202 with a bolt extending through the rightmost of intermediatepulley holes 240 to position the intermediate pulley 200 relatively farfrom the longitudinal axis 157 of the mower 100, relatively far from theidler pulley 184, relatively far from the deck drive pulley 130, andrelatively close to the third (right) spindle pulley 180 c. Suchadjustability may help to account for different sizes of deck drivebelts that may be used, or for tolerances during manufacture of themower 100 that may cause variations in the distances between theintermediate pulley 200, the deck drive pulley 130 and the third (right)spindle pulley 180 c.

In some embodiments, the intermediate pulley 200 and the deck drivepulley 130 are vertically aligned (e.g., aligned in the y direction)with one another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a centerline250 of the intermediate pulley 200 may be aligned with a centerline 252of the deck drive pulley 130. The centerline of a pulley may be definedby a rotational plane of the pulley (which is transverse to therotational axis of the pulley) that is centered in the groove or face ofthe pulley. Thus, for example, the centerline (“rotational plane”) 250of the intermediate pulley 200 may be co-planar with the centerline(“rotational plane”) 252 of the deck drive pulley 130. In someembodiments, the intermediate pulley 200 and the deck drive pulley 130are vertically aligned with one another if their centerlines 250 and 252are co-planar and within a given offset distance (e.g., about 0.5 in) ofone another. In some embodiments, the rotational axes of the deck drivepulley 130, the intermediate pulley, the idler pulley 184 and thespindle pulleys 180 are parallel (e.g., are parallel to the z-axis). Insome embodiments, the rotational plane of the deck drive pulley 130, theintermediate pulley, the idler pulley 184 and the spindle pulleys 180(e.g., are parallel to the x-y plane).

In some embodiments, the deck system 170 can be moved vertically (e.g.,moved in the y direction) during operation of the mower 100. Forexample, the deck system 170 may be lowered relative to the frame 102(e.g., moving the blades 174 closer to the ground to provide for mowinggrass to a relatively short length) or the deck system 170 may be raisedrelative to the frame 102 (e.g., moving the blades 174 farther from theground to provide for mowing grass to a relatively long length or fortransport). In some embodiments, the horizontal and vertical position ofthe intermediate pulley 200 does not move relative to the frame 102,even while the deck system 170 (including the third (right) spindlepulley 180 c) is moved vertically. For example, (referring to FIG. 7A)when the deck system 170 is raised, the idler pulley 184 and the third(right) spindle pulley 180 c may move upward relative to the deck drivepulley 130 and the intermediate pulley 200 (and the frame 102) (e.g.,the idler pulley 184 and the third (right) spindle pulley 180 c may moveupward in a direction parallel to the respective rotational axes 280 a,280 b and 280 c of the deck drive pulley 130, the intermediate pulley200 and the idler pulley 184, as illustrated by the upward arrow 260 ofFIG. 7A). This may result in the centerline 262 of the idler pulley 184being vertically offset above the respective centerlines 250 and 252 ofthe deck drive pulley 130 and the intermediate pulley 200 by a given“positive” offset distance 264. Conversely, (referring to FIG. 7C) whenthe deck system 170 is lowered, the idler pulley 184 may move downwardrelative to the deck drive pulley 130 and the intermediate pulley 200(and the frame 102) (e.g., the idler pulley 184 and the third (right)spindle pulley 180 c may move downward in a direction parallel to therespective rotational axes 280 a, 280 b and 280 c of the deck drivepulley 130, the intermediate pulley 200 and the idler pulley 184 asillustrated by the downward arrow 266 of FIG. 7C). This may result inthe centerline 262 of the idler pulley 184 being vertically offset belowthe respective centerlines 250 and 252 of the deck drive pulley 130 andthe intermediate pulley 200 by a given “negative” offset distance 268.In some instances, (referring to FIG. 7B), the deck system 170 may bemoved to or through a height at which the centerline 262 of the idlerpulley 184 aligns with the respective centerlines 250 and 252 of thedeck drive pulley 130 and the intermediate pulley 200. In such anembodiment, the offset distance may be zero. Although the path of thedeck drive belt 136 may move up and down the face 270 of theintermediate pulley 200 with corresponding upward and downward movementof the deck system 170 and the idler pulley 184 (as shown in FIGS.7A-7C), the exit angle (01) of the intermediate pulley 200 and thecorresponding entry angle (02) of the deck drive pulley 130 may remainrelatively small (e.g., +/−0.5°). Accordingly, embodiments describedhere may help to inhibit wear and failure of the deck drive belt 136.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the embodiments. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the embodiments shown and described hereare to be taken as examples of embodiments. Elements and materials maybe substituted for those illustrated and described here, parts andprocesses may be reversed or omitted, and certain features of theembodiments may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent toone skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description ofthe embodiments. Changes may be made in the elements described herewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments asdescribed in the following claims. Headings used here are fororganizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit thescope of the description.

As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (such as, meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (such as, meaning must). The words “include,”“including,” and “includes” mean including, but not limited to. As usedthroughout this application, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “an element” may include a combinationof two or more elements. As used throughout this application, the term“or” is used in an inclusive sense, unless indicated otherwise. That is,a description of an element including A, B or C may refer to the elementincluding A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C. As usedthroughout this application, the term “from” does not limit theassociated operation to being directly from. Thus, for example,receiving an item “from” an entity may include receiving an itemdirectly from the entity or indirectly from the entity (e.g., by way ofan intermediary entity). As used throughout this application, the term“coupled to” is not limited to being directly coupled. Thus, forexample, an element “coupled” to another element may include theelements being directly coupled to one another, or indirectly coupled toone another (e.g., by way of an intermediary element).

What is claimed is:
 1. A stand-on riding mower system, comprising: amower frame; a mower motor coupled to the mower frame, the mower motorcomprising a drive shaft configured to rotate; a mowing deck systemcoupled to the mower frame and configured to be raised or loweredrelative to the mower frame, the mowing deck system comprising an idlerpulley and a spindle pulley, wherein the spindle pulley is coupled to amowing blade and engaged by a deck drive belt, wherein circulation ofthe deck drive belt is configured to rotate the spindle pulley and themowing blade coupled to the spindle pulley, and wherein the idler pulleyis biased to push against the deck drive belt to maintain a tension ofthe deck drive belt; and a deck drive belt system comprising: the deckdrive belt; a deck drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft of the mowermotor and engaged by the deck drive belt, wherein the deck drive pulleyis configured to rotate with the drive shaft, and wherein rotation ofthe deck drive pulley is configured to cause the circulation of the deckdrive belt; and an intermediate pulley coupled to the mower frame suchthat a position of the intermediate pulley is fixed relative to aposition of the deck drive pulley such that a position of a rotationalaxis of the intermediate pulley is fixed relative to a position of arotational axis of the deck drive pulley, wherein the intermediatepulley is engaged by a portion of the deck drive belt spanning betweenthe deck drive pulley and the idler pulley.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the deck drive belt is configured to circulate from the deckdrive pulley to the intermediate pulley, from the intermediate pulley tothe idler pulley, and from the idler pulley to the spindle pulley. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein a span of the deck drive belt between theidler pulley and the intermediate pulley is longer than a span of thedeck drive belt between the intermediate pulley and the deck drivepulley.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein centerlines of theintermediate pulley and the deck drive pulley are aligned.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the mowing deck system, the idler pulley and thespindle pulley are configured to move relative to the intermediatepulley and the deck drive pulley.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thedeck drive pulley comprises a V-pulley, the spindle pulley comprises aV-pulley, the idler pulley comprises a flat pulley, and the intermediatepulley comprises a flat pulley.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein themotor and the intermediate pulley are rigidly coupled to the mowerframe.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the mower system comprises azero turn radius (ZTR) riding mower system.
 9. A mower system,comprising: a mower frame; a mower motor coupled to the mower frame, themower motor comprising a drive shaft configured to rotate; a mowing decksystem coupled to the mower frame and configured to be raised or loweredrelative to the mower frame, the mowing deck system comprising an idlerpulley biased into engagement with a deck drive belt to maintain atension of the deck drive belt, wherein circulation of the deck drivebelt is configured to rotate a spindle pulley and a mowing blade coupledto the spindle pulley; and a deck drive belt system comprising: the deckdrive belt; a deck drive pulley configured to couple to the drive shaftof the mower motor and be engaged by the deck drive belt, wherein thedeck drive pulley is configured to rotate with the drive shaft, andwherein rotation of the deck drive pulley is configured to cause thecirculation of the deck drive belt; and an intermediate pulley coupledto the mower frame such that a position of the intermediate pulley isfixed relative to a position of the deck drive pulley such that aposition of a rotational axis of the intermediate pulley is fixedrelative to a position of a rotational axis of the deck drive pulley,wherein the intermediate pulley is configured to be engaged by a portionof the deck drive belt spanning between the deck drive pulley and theidler pulley.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the deck drive belt isconfigured to circulate from the deck drive pulley to the intermediatepulley, from the intermediate pulley to the idler pulley, and from theidler pulley to the spindle pulley.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein aspan of the deck drive belt between the idler pulley and theintermediate pulley is longer than a span of the deck drive belt betweenthe intermediate pulley and the deck drive pulley.
 12. The system ofclaim 9, wherein centerlines of the intermediate pulley and the deckdrive pulley are aligned.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the mowingdeck system and the idler pulley are configured to move relative to theintermediate pulley and the deck drive pulley.
 14. The system of claim9, wherein the deck drive pulley comprises a V-pulley, the idler pulleycomprises a flat pulley, and the intermediate pulley comprises a flatpulley.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the motor and theintermediate pulley are rigidly coupled to the mower frame.
 16. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the mower system comprises a stand-on ridingmower system.
 17. The system of claim 9, wherein the mower systemcomprises a zero turn radius (ZTR) riding mower system.
 18. A mowersystem, comprising: an idler pulley biased into engagement with a deckdrive belt to maintain a tension of the deck drive belt, whereincirculation of the deck drive belt is configured to rotate a spindlepulley and a mowing blade coupled to the spindle pulley; a deck drivepulley coupled to a drive shaft of a mower motor coupled to a mowerframe of the mower system, the deck drive pulley configured to beengaged by the deck drive belt, wherein the deck drive pulley isconfigured to be rotated by the drive shaft, and wherein rotation of thedeck drive pulley is configured to cause the circulation of the deckdrive belt; and an intermediate pulley coupled to the mower frame suchthat a position of the intermediate pulley is fixed relative to aposition of the deck drive pulley such that a position of a rotationalaxis of the intermediate pulley is fixed relative to a position of arotational axis of the deck drive pulley, wherein the intermediatepulley is configured to be engaged by a portion of the deck drive beltspanning between the deck drive pulley and the idler pulley.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the idler pulley is configured to moverelative to the deck drive pulley and the intermediate pulley.
 20. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the deck drive belt is configured tocirculate from the deck drive pulley to the intermediate pulley, andfrom the intermediate pulley to the idler pulley.